We are halfway through November and I'm sure by now all around the world many persons would have heard the familiar, melodious notes of Mariah Carey's 1994 hit single "All I want for Christmas". I mean, is it really the Christmas season without it?
Growing up my siblings and I knew that the most wonderful time of the year had arrived once our mother popped in the Fab 5 "Christmas in the Sun" cassette. Now, my own children are well aware that when mommy starts playing the Pentatonix Christmas albums beginning with "Carol of the Bells", our family's Christmas merriment has begun.
Music makes the mood
Whether you choose to celebrate Christmas or not you cannot deny that the music is one of the most salient aspects of the season. Christmas songs in all genres and languages fill the air, choirs collaborate on beautiful renditions that bring tears to the eyes and smiles to hearts of those who listen. Music moves people, it always has and its impact is especially felt during this very merry time of the year.
Is it really that big of a deal?
"Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy." Psalm 100 verse 2
Praise and worship is a key element of having a relationship with God and most persons eventually come to appreciate the fact that giving praise and worshipping God involves a whole lot more than singing the right songs, worship is a lifestyle.
Music however is significant and we see several instances in the Bible where we are encouraged to sing unto God and to ourselves. We see where the musicians and singers were appointed and positioned strategically and called upon regularly. We see in the Psalms, Job, Luke and Revelation references to the angels singing and we are told that God Himself sings over those He is delighted (Zephaniah chapter 3 verse 17).
Music means something to God and so it should mean something to us. The main purpose of music is to worship Him. It connects with our souls and can heavily influence our emotions and thoughts. As Christians we are to be mindful always of what we ingest musically.
Praise away my pain
About 10 years ago I received a medical diagnosis and since that time, almost on a daily basis, I experience varying intensities of pain in my joints as well as skull splitting headaches. Being bedridden sometimes to the point when even thinking would hurt was how I discovered the concept of praising away my pain.
I kid you not I have had too many experiences to count where I have sung or played worship music non stop and it has brought me relief even when the strongest of pain killers had failed me. Does music have magical powers? Of course not but when we submerge ourselves in an atmosphere of worship it moves our hearts to a place of readiness to receive from God, free of distractions.
Sing when you can't say
“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.”
Martin Luther
Have you ever been so overwhelmed with emotions (good and bad) but just can't quite find the right words to express to someone else or even to yourself?
This happens to me regularly and God in His kindness has sent songs time and again that give language to my feelings and become prayers especially when I'm feeling drained and confused.
I have had epic praise parties in my car with the volume maxed out filled with joy and giving thanks to God through the lyrics of others. I've also curled up in my bed weeping while certain songs play and I wearily think 'yes God what he just sang is exactly how I feel'.
Listen responsibly
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything."
(1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 12)
At this time of year persons who wouldn't normally listen to Christian music, have songs focused on Jesus and God's love on repeat. The gospel resounds all over the world and the masses are loving it, what a beautiful way to end each year. Of course as humans we have a tendency to go overboard and over the years Christmas has become more and more commercialised. As beautiful as the songs of this season can be, as believers we have to be conscious not to get caught up and promote materialism and idolatry through the songs we play and listen to.
So even as we trim the trees, wrap and then open gifts, attend rehearsals, watch Hallmark movies, bake treats, visit children’s homes and ooh and aah over lighted displays, attend services, dinners and gatherings let the soundtracks that accompany all this continue to glorify God and make Him the focus of all that we’re engaging in.
Danelle M. Pinnock first emerged as a writer when she began chronicling her journey with God, through a debilitating sickness. Her authentic reflections provided encouragement to many and resulted in her first publication “31 Day Devotional- Quiet Time.”
This full time homemaker, a proud Jamaican, lives in Kingston with her husband Raul and their two children Levi and Zhuri. Along with her freelance writing, she is a worship leader at her church where her husband, a cancer survivor, serves as a deacon.
Follow her on Instagram @danellewritesstuff to learn how God guides a woman with a background in Chemistry, Business Management and Public Health to skillfully pen His methods and His ways through sickness, marriage and parenting.